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Aust collapse to 4-131 v India A

Greg Buckle

Australia have been totally outplayed in their only first-class warm-up match before next Friday's first Test after conceding 451 to India A on day two of their three-day game in Chennai.

The tourists reached 4-131 at stumps on Sunday in reply, failing to build on a century opening stand led by Shane Watson's fine knock of 84.

Australia lost 4-11 after Watson had added 116 with Ed Cowan (40) for the first wicket.

Left-arm spinner Rakesh Dhurv claimed the key wickets of Cowan lbw and Watson caught-behind, although both batsmen looked surprised to be given out.

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Cowan was first to go and Phil Hughes (one) followed in the next over as the left-hander was stumped to offspinner Jalaj Saxena's bowling.

Watson, who belted 13 fours and one six from 87 deliveries,shook his head after his departure at 3-127.

Eight balls later there was no doubt about the dismissal of Usman Khawaja who played back and was bowled by Saxena for one.

Matthew Wade (three) and Moises Henriques (zero) are at the crease.

While Watson's 84 may lead to further calls for the vice-captain to be shifted from No.4 back to No.1 in the Test side, selectors are likely to stick with the David Warner/Cowan pairing.

Warner is recovering from a fractured thumb but was able to complete a batting session in the nets on Sunday as he attempts to prove his fitness for Friday's first Test.

Australia's spinners Xavier Doherty (3-108), Ashton Agar (3-107) and Nathan Lyon (2-113) claimed eight wickets between them in India A's innings, but all conceded centuries on a turning pitch in a performance that is a hardly a boost to Australia's confidence.

No.4 Manoj Tiwary made 129, joining ex-Test opener Gautam Gambhir (112) as a century-maker in the match after Gambhir dominated the first day of play.